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SPECIAL TO NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Most new nursing-school graduates hope to start their careers with confidence in their skills and the ability to connect personally with their patients. At Washington Regional Medical Center, a program is designed to help them do that. Since implementing Northwest Arkansas' first nurse residency program in March 2016, Washington Regional has helped nearly 150 new graduates make a successful transition from student to skilled nurse. This spring, Washington Regional welcomed more than 40 new graduates to its RN Residency program, with dozens more scheduled to join four other cohorts that begin throughout the year. The RN Residency program at Washington Regional provides a support system for newly graduated registered nurses, helping them become confident and competent care providers. "Under the program, new nursing-school graduates are coached into independence by Washington Regional's experienced and accomplished nursing staff members," says Samantha Bowman, RN Residency program manager. During their first few months of employment at Washington Regional, new graduate nurses participate in a variety of sessions designed to strengthen their assessment, critical thinking, communication, teamwork and technical skills in a safe learning environment. The program, which is provided at no cost to the participants, is coordinated by nursing staff members at Washington Regional who have achieved advanced nursing education and certifications. "Each new graduate nurse benefits from a strategic, planned blend of classroom and hands-on experience," Bowman says. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nurses who have completed these types of residency programs report reduced stress levels and demonstrate improved confidence, competence, communication, leadership and ability to organize and prioritize. "By offering this structured orientation experience, we help ensure new graduate nurses begin their careers with improved skills and greater confidence," Bowman says. Washington Regional partners with Vizient Nurse Residency Program, a healthcare education leader, according to Bowman. Vizient is endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. "The best hospitals in the country use the same curriculum that Washington Regional is using," Bowman pointed out, naming Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Duke University Hospital and the UCLA Health System as those who have also provided Vizient training for new graduate nurses. "Washington Regional has always offered opportunities for a nurse to make a real difference," Bowman says. "And now, Washington Regional is experiencing growth at an unprecedented level, so there are even more opportunities here to build a successful nursing career." More information about Washington Regional's RN Residency program is available by calling 479-463-6815 or emailing sbowman1@wregional.com. Grow your nursing career at Washington Regional SPECIAL TO NWA DEMO- CRAT-GAZETTE Washington Regional Medical Center offers its nurses a unique in-house nursing education department, scholarship and tuition assistance programs and opportunities to participate in nurse leadership groups. Plus, Washington Regional's RN Residency program provides newly graduated registered nurses with a focused orientation program as well as a coach or mentor for ongoing education and support. More information about Washington Regional's RN Residency program is available by contacting Samantha Bowman, MS, CHES, RN Residency Program Manager at 479-463-6815 or email Sbowman1@wregional.com. Visit wregional.com for more information about Washington Regional and to browse job opportunities. RN residency program develops skilled, compassionate nurses 8 | YOU AT YOUR BEST | NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST MAY - NURSING | SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2018